Hamilton sees himself staying in F1 “for at least another 3 years”

At a time when the future of his multiple world champion counterpart Sebastian Vettel continues to shake up the paddock F1. The one from Lewis Hamilton is not yet set in stone either. 

But if the Briton, 35, is making less headlines on the transfer market, it is because logic would dictate, barring a last-minute turnaround, that he is heading towards a contract extension with Mercedes beyond the current season.

Asked ahead of his domestic Grand Prix whether spectators, banned on site this year due to a closed-door event, will see him at Silverstone next year, Hamilton suggested he would entertain the Northamptonshire crowds during a few more years.

« You can never guarantee anything but I plan to be there next year, replied the six-time world champion. This is clearly the objective. Fingers crossed that this is the case and that we have fans at Silverstone in 2021. 

As for the pursuit of my career more generally, I would say that we are a bit in the unknown. The pandemic and the confinement, as negative as they were or are, have also given me a lot of energy. 

I was able to concentrate on other subjects and cut myself off from competition. This allowed me to breathe and recharge my batteries to stay longer in F1. The ultimate goal would be to continue evolving at my current level forever but you are always caught up with a declining body or mind at some point. I don't know when this phenomenon will happen but I don't have the feeling that it will happen right away.

And then we live in a time where I am the only representative of my community on the grid, which I am fully aware of. Every time I start a season, nothing is owed to me, nothing is given to me. It doesn't matter what titles you won in the past. Everyone must earn their place on merit. I want to continue to be present on the track for as long as possible. I see myself staying in F1 for at least another 3 years ». 

Holder of the record for the number of victories at the British GP with 6 triumphs, all at Silverstone, since 2008, Hamilton will try to achieve a 3rd success in a row this season after those gleaned at the Styrian and Hungarian GPs.